Astronomy

Effective Fall 2015. Previous descriptions may have had different requirements. Have questions? See an advisor.

AST101IN Solar System

Credit Hours: 4.00

Introduction to the science of the nature and origin of the solar system: the sun and its family of planets, along with comets and asteroids. Includes the history of astronomy and special topics regarding the space program. Also includes scientific thinking as an application of critical and quantitative thinking, and science in contrast to pseudoscience. Also includes in-class measuremental and mathematical exercises, outside observation projects, independent studies, and self-initiated trips to local astronomy facilities.

Prerequisite(s):

Course Corequisites:

Information: IN is the integrated version of the course with the lecture and lab taught simultaneously.

Introduction to the science of the nature and origin of the solar system: the sun and its family of planets, along with comets and asteroids. Includes the history of astronomy and special topics regarding the space program. Also includes scientific thinking as an application of critical and quantitative thinking, and science in contrast to pseudoscience.

Introduction to the universe beyond the solar system. Includes the nature of light, how astronomers and telescopes work, and the possibilities of alien life in the universe. Also includes the lifetime of stars, exotic objects such as quasars, pulsars and black holes; and the origin, nature, and future of the universe. Also includes scientific thinking as an application of critical and quantitative thinking and science in contrast to pseudoscience. Also includes in-class measuremental and mathematical exercises, outside observation projects, independent studies, and self-initiated field trips to local astronomy facilities.

Prerequisite(s):

Course Corequisites:

Information: IN is the integrated version of the course with the lecture and lab taught simultaneously.

Introduction to the universe beyond the solar system. Includes the nature of light, how astronomers and telescopes work, and the possibilities of alien life in the universe. Also includes the lifetime of stars, exotic objects such as quasars, pulsars and black holes; and the origin, nature, and future of the universe. Also includes scientific thinking as an application of critical and quantitative thinking, and science in contrast to pseudoscience.

The science of astronomy focusing on the formation of the universe, the solar system, and life. Includes Earth's location in space and time, nature of life, light and the spectrum, origin of the universe, galaxies and stars, origin of the solar system, planetary atmospheres, origin of life on Earth, life on other solar system planets, and life around other stars. Also includes observations, experiments, image analysis, scientific and photogeology laboratory exercise, group telescopic observation projects, and personal observation projects.

Prerequisite(s):

Course Corequisites:

Information: IN is the integrated version of the course with the lecture and lab taught simultaneously.